Back to all verbs

Irregular verb

shrink

/ʃrɪŋk/

Base
shrink
Past simple
shrank / shrunk
Past participle
shrunk

Usage

shrank is the traditional simple past; shrunk is now also common there, but it's the only accepted form of the participle.

Meaning

  • to become smaller

Example

My jumper shrank in the wash.

The market has shrunk considerably this year.

Their savings shrank after the unexpected bill.